His Grandchildren

I watched as he gazed upon his grandchildren. His four children have begot eight children... and now he has EIGHT grandchildren. There were only four on this earth when his wife passed. How did four more blessings appear in just 4 years? The most recent addition to the family was baptized in the very same gown each of his children wore on their baptism days... his wife had worn it too... as had her father. The gown was made from a wedding dress and will soon be 100 years old. What a blessing to have this piece of history. What a blessing to welcome a new baby into our faith. What a gift it is to be raised with faith.

He told me that it was one of the best days he's had recently. He loved watching the older kids (mine) interact with the babies. How fun it was to see them (the almost teens) with the not quite 2 year olds! He said it was the best of days. I know he meant that it was the best day since Mom passed away. He did not have to say it... it was written in his eyes. We took many photos of his eight grandchildren together. It was today that I thought, "Why didn't we ask Dad to get into that photo?" I gave him an 8x10 this morning and his eyes sparkled. I told him the only thing wrong with the picture is that he isn't in it. He disagreed, but I told him we'd remedy the situation at the next family gathering.

I will print the best of the pictures very large. I will have it in his hospital room when he comes out of surgery. His job is to stay with us and enjoy the many more wonderful times with his grandchildren. I pray he stays... there are many wonderful memories yet to be made with this band of cousins. I love being the fly on the wall who has the older kids and who can appreciate the wonder of the babies. I don't take it for granted -- each stage passes so quickly... This must be similar to what it is like to be a grandparent. I am grateful for these moments. I will let the giggles sink into me and sustain me through the difficult times. We are so blessed!